What is Zen meditation?

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Zen meditation, or zazen, is a form of seated meditation that uses posture and breathing to free the mind and awaken the spirit. The Buddha is said to have achieved spiritual enlightenment through Zen meditation.

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Zen meditation is practiced sitting on a cushion with the buttocks raised and the knees touching the floor, so the body forms a stable, grounded tripod. With a straight back and hands folded in front, practitioners inhale and exhale slowly through the nose to control breathing and calm the mind.

The slow, steady breathing helps bring the mind and body to a point of concentrated stillness, where all external thoughts are gone and inner peace is achieved. Zen meditation is also known as the study of self, or how not to think.